Sports
Botswana’s Zebras End Strike, Return To Training
Botswana’s senior players have agreed to end their strike and begin preparing for June’s 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
Their decision comes despite still not being paid bonuses from this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
“Of course the players are still unhappy but the most important thing is that they have agreed to come and start training,” coach Stanley Tshosane said.
The players had vowed not to play for Botswana until they got their money from Equatorial Guinea and Gabon 2012.
Last month, Tshosane had to call up 25 local-based players for a training camp in Gaborone as the key players refused to attend.
Tshosane is pleased that the players had changed their minds after dialogue with Botswana Football Association (BFA) officials recently.
“We needed such a response so that we can move forward because the qualifiers are only a few weeks away,” he explained.
The Zebras will play their first international friendly of the year when they take on Lesotho in Gaborone today.
Botswana kicks off their 2014 World Cup campaign away in Central African Republic on the first weekend in June before hosting neighbours South Africa a week later.
The Zebras’ South Africa-based stars will not be immediately available for the training while injury ruled out captain Mompati Thuma.
Mochudi Centre Chiefs’ striker, Pontsho Moloi has said he does not want to be part of the campaign.
“I spoke to the coach and explained that I am tired. I just need some rest,” he said.
Diphetogo ‘Dipsy’ Selolwane had already announced his retirement after the Nations Cup finals.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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